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Performance of the life insurance industry under pressure: efficiency, competition and consolidation

In: Handbook of Competition in Banking and Finance

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  • Jacob A. Bikker

Abstract

This chapter investigates efficiency and competition in the Dutch life insurance market by estimating unused scale economies and measuring efficiency–market share dynamics during 1995–2010. Large unused scale economies exist for small and medium-sized life insurers, indicating that further consolidation would reduce costs. Over time, average scale economies decrease, but substantial differences between small and large insurers remain. A direct measure of competition confirms that competitive pressure is lower than in other markets. The author does not observe any impact of increased competition from banks, the so-called investment policy crisis or the credit crisis, apart from lower returns in 2008.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob A. Bikker, 2017. "Performance of the life insurance industry under pressure: efficiency, competition and consolidation," Chapters, in: Jacob A. Bikker & Laura Spierdijk (ed.), Handbook of Competition in Banking and Finance, chapter 9, pages 152-182, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:16878_9
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jacob Bikker & Jack Bekooij, 2021. "Market forces in healthcare insurance. The impact of healthcare reform on regulated competition revisited," Working Papers 705, DNB.
    3. Camino-Mogro, Segundo & Armijos-Bravo, Grace & Cornejo-Marcos, Gino, 2019. "Competition in the insurance industry in Ecuador: An econometric analysis in life and non-life markets," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 291-302.
    4. Cummins, J. David & Rubio-Misas, María & Vencappa, Dev, 2017. "Competition, efficiency and soundness in European life insurance markets," Journal of Financial Stability, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 66-78.
    5. Abdul Latif Alhassan & Nicholas Biekpe, 2018. "Competition and Risk-Taking Behaviour in the Non-Life Insurance Market in South Africa," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 43(3), pages 492-519, July.
    6. Qiao-Ming Lim & Hui-Shan Lee & Wai-Mun Har, 2021. "Efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of the Malaysian insurance sector: an analysis of risk-based capital regulation," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 46(1), pages 146-172, January.
    7. Qiao-Ming Lim & Hui-Shan Lee & Wai-Mun Har, 0. "Efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of the Malaysian insurance sector: an analysis of risk-based capital regulation," The Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance - Issues and Practice, Palgrave Macmillan;The Geneva Association, vol. 0, pages 1-27.
    8. Jaap Bikker & Adelina Popescu, 2014. "Efficiency and competition in the Dutch non-life insurance industry: Effects of the 2006 health care reform," Working Papers 14-12, Utrecht School of Economics.
    9. Jaap Bikker & Adelina Popescu, 2014. "Efficiency and competition in the Dutch non-life insurance industry: Effects of the 2006 health care reform," Working Papers 14-12, Utrecht School of Economics.

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    Keywords

    Economics and Finance;

    JEL classification:

    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance

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